Cops handing out positive tickets to youth

Force teams up with Future Aces Foundation

Peterborough This Week

(DURHAM) Local youngsters may soon be going out of their way to get a ticket from Durham Regional Police officers.

In partnership with the Herbert H. Carnegie Future Aces Foundation, the force launched a new positive ticketing program last Friday (Dec. 14) that will reward young people caught in the act of demonstrating positive behaviour and good decision-making.

"When an officer takes the time to recognize a young person for being positive or helping someone, there is a ripple effect. That young person tells her friends and other young people may be inspired to adopt that positive approach in their daily lives."

The program was brought to Durham by Constable Angela Sitaram, the force's elementary school liaison.

"I wanted to bring this program to Durham to help kids have a positive first experience with police," said Cst. Sitaram.

"That way, if they need help in the future, they'll hopefully turn to us for advice and guidance."

In addition to being recognized as good citizens, recipients of the Future ACES Positive Tickets will receive prizes donated by program partners -- which include free skating passes from Brock Township, as well as coupons from McDonald's and Mac's Milk -- that can be redeemed in their communities.

"We are proud to partner with Durham Regional Police to implement this proactive and positive initiative that will serve as a model nationwide. This project is proof that when corporations, community organizations and city agencies work together, they can enhance the environment in their communities enriching the lives of all citizens. Our vision is to see all police forces follow the lead of Durham Regional Police by offering this powerful approach to peacekeeping," said Bernice Carnegie of the Future Aces Foundation.

Founded in 1987, the Herbert H. Carnegie Future Aces Foundation is a non-profit registered charitable organization that works with hundreds of schools and organizations throughout Ontario and beyond to celebrate and foster positive behaviour in youth.

For more information on the Future Aces Positive Ticketing Program in Durham Region contact Constable Angela Sitaram at 1-888-579-1520 ext 1813.

For more information about the Herbert H. Carnegie Future Aces Foundation, call 1-905-947-9131 or visit www.futureaces.org